Hot or Cold . . . How Ready are Third Party Logistics Cold Storage Companies to Implement Blockchain?

Abstract

The espoused benefits of the transformative blockchain technology appear to be the perfect solution for third party logistics cold storage companies who are facing a myriad of pressing organizational and industry issues. A critical component for successful implementation is organizational readiness. Positive (negative) states of readiness lead to more (less) successful implementation. A multi-case study of three 3rd party cold storage supply chain companies varied by size examine what factors impact their readiness for blockchain, and to what extent size may impact their preparedness. Results show that the small and medium companies have a relatively low level of readiness to implement blockchain. Due to its robust change management structure, the large company was best positioned to adopt blockchain. We conclude with a discussion of coopetition, the need to collaborate in a blockchain world.